Apr 13, 2013 3 min read

SHEPHERDSTOWN, W.Va. – The crew from the Outdoor Channel’s “Fly Rod Chronicles” wants to show the world the alluring elements of the Eastern Panhandle.

Administrator executive Michelle Fleming said “Fly Rod Chronicles” travels all over the world visiting different fly fishing destinations, which showcase special guests or featured destinations.

“We picked the Eastern Panhandle because of the opportunity that it has for shopping, the races, the ability to be within minutes of a lodge like the Bavarian Inn and having easy access to the trout streams,” Michelle said.

She said the goal of this episode, “Fishing for a Date in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia,” is to encourage people to visit the area for shopping, hospitality and, of course, fishing and the outdoors.

“Whenever we personally get a chance to go to the Eastern Panhandle, we do,” host Curtis Fleming said.

“We know presidents and governors and very influential high-power people come to the Eastern Panhandle for places like the Bavarian Inn, but we want our viewers to know that the average person can (go) there and enjoy things like the race track and fishing and everything,” Curtis said.

The Flemings fished along Back Creek and the Opequon Creek during filming, and stayed at the Bavarian Inn in Shepherdstown.

The pair said this episode provided a rare occasion for Michelle to accompany Curtis on set while they fished, shopped downtown and visited the Summit Point Motorsports Park.

Fly Rod Chronicles is a reality television show which tracks Curtis on his adventures to places like Montana, Florida and New Mexico.

“Curtis chose the location because of the beautiful streams that are near the Eastern Panhandle,” Michelle said. “Fishing went very well. Both Curtis and I caught several trout and our lines were tight the entire episode. It was breathtaking and peaceful.”

Curtis admits with a laugh, though, that viewers can expect to see another rarity in this episode him being out-fished by his wife Michelle.

Curtis grew up in central West Virginia as the son of a coal miner, and now he and his crew travel the world to pursue his passion of fly fishing, but West Virginia is home.

“Fly Rod Chronicles comes back home to West Virginia,” Curtis said while standing in front of the Bavarian Inn during his visit.

“Fishing for a Date in the Eastern Panhandle of West Virginia” will air April 30 at 11:30 a.m., May 3 at 1 p.m., and May 4 at 6:30 p.m. on the Outdoor Channel.